Effects of Chitosan and Nanoparticles on Survival of Schwann Cells and Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

摘要

We have systematically examined the effects of chitosan film or chitosan in combination with nanometal particles (nanogold or nanosilver particles) on the growth of Schwann cells (SI6) and DRG neurons (50B 11). Our results strongly suggest chitosan and chitosan in combination with nanogold particles had no effects on the growth kinetics of Schwann cells but had slightly slowed those of DRG neurons. These findings suggest that chitosan and chitosan in combination with nanogold particles are more biocompatible with Schwann cells than with DRG neurons. However, chitosan in combination with nanosilver particles depressed the growth kinetics of both Schwann cells and DRG neurons. Thus, nanosilver particles are much less biocompatible compared to nanogold particles. Our results suggest that chitosan film and chitosan in combination with nanogold particles may have the potential to be developed as suitable biocompatible materials for the fabrication of artificial nerve graft.